Chapter 262 - "I'll handle the conversation myself."
Logan's bold statement led to his father and father-in-law leaving as he got up from his seat. It was the time when Eileen would usually be at the training ground.
"Get in touch with the female knights' training ground. I'll go there myself..., no, never mind. I'll check it out."
"Sure!"
As Logan was about to leave his office with determination, a simple question crossed his mind, causing him to pause.
'What... should I say?'
After a past experience with Rina, Logan had developed a distrust towards women and avoided relationships with them in his previous life. It wasn't just an emotional issue; his life was too turbulent to focus on forming a family.
Therefore, he felt inadequate when it came to Eileen, a significant relationship he had in this life.
Their strong bond was all thanks to her understanding nature, in Logan's opinion.
'I never really thought about marriage before.'
He let out a wry smile.
Eileen's presence brought him comfort, and he had taken it for granted.
Feeling grateful and apologetic, he knew it was time to express his desire to spend his life with her, but he struggled to find the right words.
'Thank you for waiting. Will you marry me.....?'
No, too cringeworthy.
'It's time for us to get married, right?'
... Sounds tacky.
'Will you be the queen of this nation.....?'
Pathetic!
None of his ideas felt right.
"What should I do...."
Would she reject or dislike the idea?
His heart raced as if facing a formidable foe.
"... Let's just go."
Unable to come up with a better plan, Logan decided to proceed as usual.
* * *
"Your Majesty. Why have you come unannounced...?"
Eileen and the female knight instructors rushed towards Logan as he arrived at the training ground.
Logan sent all the instructors away, leaving only Eileen.
He noticed their bowed heads and secretive smiles as they left, but his focus was solely on Eileen.
"What's the matter?"
"Ah, well..."
Logan couldn't find the right words. His hope of coming up with something in the moment had long faded.
Amused by his expression, Eileen chuckled and took Logan's arm.
"If it's hard to talk here, let's go to the manor. The carriage is ready."
"But, what about the training...?"
What nonsense are you saying!
Even he realized his remark was illogical.
"It will be fine without me for now."
Unaware of his self-deprecation, Eileen simply smiled and led him away.
Tea was poured into a cup, releasing a pleasant aroma.
The calming scent usually eased Logan's mind, but today it had no effect.
His heart raced, and his eyes wandered.
Although they had tea in his office before, Logan felt unusually restless. Sensing his odd behavior, Eileen asked in a worried tone.
"... What's wrong?"
"Ah, I was just thinking how plain the office looks... I've been inconsiderate."
The office—just a desk, a chair, and a basic bookshelf—seemed particularly empty today.
"Didn't you say you prefer it neat?"
"Ah, yes. Did I say that?"
Embarrassed, he quickly hid behind the teacup and took a sip. Eileen gave him a peculiar look.
"Are you okay today?"
"Ah, erm. The tea is a bit hot. Ah, hot."
"But didn't you mention that good tea should be hot?"
His attempts to divert attention only led to an awkward silence in the room.
"...."
"...."
Eileen's blue eyes bore into him.
Her usually endearing gaze now felt intense, making Logan look away.
"Do you have something to tell me? You seem different."
It was Eileen's words that snapped Logan back to reality.
Why am I acting like this?
It's something I have to do, and she wouldn't refuse.
Surely. Maybe...
"Ah. Erm... Yes. I have something to say..."
As Logan struggled to gather his courage, Eileen suddenly asked.
"Are you proposing?"
Pfft!
Cough, cough.
This time he truly choked.
As he coughed, embarrassment and frustration washed over him.
"Who said you could just..."
"Really?!"
Her surprised expression and high-pitched voice clarified Logan's confusion.
"Ah... That, that's..."
"Really, really...?"
Both stunned for different reasons, they avoided each other's gaze.
Then, embarrassed by the awkward moment, they turned away.
'Why do I keep embarrassing myself.'
Suppressing his racing heart, Logan took a deep breath.
Glancing at Eileen's flushed neck, he found speaking to her easier now.
"Ahem. Ahem. Yes. Eileen, will you marry me?"
His words were simple and sincere.
No need for elaborate phrases to convey his honesty, and Logan looked at Eileen with a hopeful smile.
"......"
But to his surprise, Eileen remained silent.
Ah. Surely not.
Could it be that she doesn't like it?
"... You don't like it?"
"No, no, that's not it! I don't dislike it..."
Jumping up, she reassured him, but it only added to his confusion.
Does that mean she doesn't like it either?
"Uh... Erm. Is it too sudden? If so, take your time to..."
Caught off guard by the unexpected turn of events, his voice faltered. But then,
"No, not at all. I will marry you. I want to."
With determination, Eileen responded quickly.
Though it was the answer he hoped for, the atmosphere was different from what he had imagined, leaving Logan bewildered.
"...... Why...? Why exactly?"
Was his hesitant approach a problem again?
Blushing, Eileen's eyes sparkled as she replied.
"Even without a ring or romance! If I decline now, who knows how long I'll have to wait. I must say yes."
Ah!!!!
That moment brought Logan a sudden realization.
'Why didn't I think of that?'
A chill ran down his spine.
In his rush, he had overlooked everything. Despite his lack of experience with women, he had disregarded basic social conventions.
Feeling disheartened and out of place, a hollow laugh escaped him.
"Are you laughing? Laughing after proposing so coldly?"
Despite her reproach, she still looked endearing—confirming one thing to Logan.
I truly love this person.
So the laughter continued.
"Yes. It's because I care for you."
"...... You're such a fool."
She turned away slightly in annoyance, but when Logan saw the smile on Eileen's face, he pulled her into a warm embrace.
"I'm sorry for making you wait and for the clumsy proposal."
"... As long as you know."
"And thank you for accepting despite everything."
"Chi..."
Her lips brushed his ear in a gentle gesture.
The warmth enveloped him, filling his heart with contentment.
With those feelings, he spoke sincerely.
"I'll make it up to you in the future."
Did his simple words strike a chord?
Eileen smiled faintly and met his gaze.
"I'll do my part too. As a queen and as a knight."
"...... Eh?"
A knight?
The unexpected term caught Logan off guard.
"Forget? My dream was always to be a knight, not a queen."
"Ah..."
Her determined tone silenced Logan, and she continued firmly.
"I mean it. Don't exclude me from training or combat just because I'm a queen. I won't give up being a knight. If that means giving up being a queen, so be it."
Her resolve shook Logan.
Though it sounded like a threat, it also showed her consideration.
With a war against the Empire looming, sidelining someone of her skill would be unwise.
As a nearly superhuman champion and a vital part of the female knights, she was indispensable.
Touched and remorseful, Logan bit his lip silently.
"...... Then let's do that."
"Really? Why the solemn face? You're not going to start worrying about me now, are you?"
With her cheek against his hand as he held her close, her affection made him feel deeply loved.
"No. It's because you're adorable."
Their flushed faces and smiles led to a deep kiss, no words needed to initiate it.
* * *
- Get ready for the royal wedding.
The news of the McLaine royal family's upcoming marriage caused a stir throughout the kingdom.
While it was common knowledge that King Logan had a knight as his fiancée, the royal wedding was a cause for national celebration.
Despite the effective governance, for most common folk, it was just a distant tale.
"His Majesty is tying the knot?"
"Wow. Does that mean something big is happening?"
"What big thing?"
"... Isn't there?"
"Why would there be?"
"... Like a grand festival for the royal union?"
"Don't be ridiculous. Even if there was, it would only be in the capital."
"Ah. Really?"
"Yes. Get back to work."
"…Oh."
However, the reactions from the royal court and the people of McLaine were quite different.
"Wow, our former Duke is getting hitched!"
"He's not a Duke anymore, he's the King!"
"Still, it's exciting!"
"Exactly! I bet the lord will throw a lavish feast!"
"Not just any feast, it should be a grand festival!"
"Hahaha, what a joy! Cheers!"
The people of McLaine, who had benefited from Logan's policies, were thrilled as if it were their own event.
"Prepare for the royal wedding!"
"Arrange a grand celebration!"
"Everything must be flawless for the wedding! Everyone, focus!"
Dwayne's constant commands kept the royal officials and servants on their toes, ensuring perfection.
'Not a single mistake allowed!'
The financial minister's directives sent shivers down the spines of all under his command.
"Spend however much is needed! Only the finest! Everything must be top-notch!"
If there was any consolation, it was that the usually frugal minister seemed eager to spend lavishly this time.
"Invite neighboring royal families! Display the prosperity of the McLaine royals!"
Those following these orders had one thing in mind.
- This celebration will be grander than expected.
Word spread fast, and some acted quicker than others.
"Could this mean merchants from all over will gather?"
"What if we up the ante?"
"Yeah. Let's make the most of it!"
A national event typically attracted not just diplomats but also merchants and goods, essentially boosting trade. The kingdom's traders eagerly awaited the foreign delegations, gathering in the capital due to the royal wedding.
With the financial minister leading the charge and the city's wealthy elite endorsing it, the festive spirit in the palace spread to the citizens.
"It's a festival!"
"A celebration of the realm!"
"Amazing!"
The kingdom's excitement reached even those far away in the west, disconnected from it all.